Rattlers Jostle for a Spot in the Playoffs

by Jonathan Rodriguez
Sports Reporter

After a loss to the Tivy Antlers, the San Marcos Rattlers find themselves jostling for a playoff spot in the 5A Region IV District 27 standings. This past Friday’s matchup in Kerrville resulted in a 48-14 loss for the Rattlers. This score seems to deem hardly anything a victory but there were some key takeaways from the game that moving forward could help sneak San Marcos in.

The familiar name of David Hamilton was on the sidelines cheering on for his teammates and quarterback Carl Ahrens. Early in the game, the Tivy run defense shut down the running game led by Cavion Garner forcing San Marcos to try and air it out. This in turn played right into Tivy’s favor when two interceptions were grabbed by the defense leading to a 14-0 score out of the gate.

Although they were down 21-0, the San Marcos offense summoned a drive that resulted in a score from Cavion Garner cutting the lead to 21-7 with 3:34 in the half remaining. San Marcos would then gain a huge momentum swing the following drive as the San Marcos defense snagged an interception in the end zone with 1:19 before the half.

Unfortunately the momentum would be lost as Tivy bounced right back with a huge punt return leading to a first and goal situation. Tivy would then punch the ball in with 0:36 remaining, killing the San Marcos momentum and heading into the half with a comfortable 28-7 lead.

When the defense came out, the opening three and out seemed to slightly push momentum in their favor. The offense could not move the ball which led to a punt and Tivy scoring on offense. From there on out it was mostly Tivy’s game.

Entering the fourth quarter it was 48-7 Tivy with not much going in San Marcos’ favor. Then a change at QB which saw Tyler Moreno and back Julian Applewhite enter the game gave San Marcos new life. Moreno would drive the ball down the field and lead the offense to 6 points.

Moreno and Applewhite had a formidable duo which going into the last stretch of district play, could have San Marcos calling on their numbers and add more depth to this offense which has kept San Marcos on the winning side of the season.

The Rattlers will now have a home game against John F. Kennedy this Friday. San Marcos currently sits at 5-2 with an undefeated record at home. John F. Kennedy comes in with a 1-6 record so San Marcos should look to handle business come this Friday.

As of now San Marcos is still in the hun,t but on the outside looking in with Tivy in first place, followed by Lockhart, Boerne-Champion, and Alamo Heights. The Rattlers will face Lockhart and Boerne-Champion in two crucial district games come their tail end of the schedule.